JULY 26, 2008
Go, Cullens, Go!
Baseball theme built around love of Chicago Cubs
Dustin and Viki (Hunziker) Cullen might be bush-leaguers when it comes to being a married couple, but they are seasoned pros at planning-and successfully pulling off-a baseball-themed wedding reception.
They didn't start with the intention of planning a themed wedding, much less one around baseball. But once the stars aligned, the event became all things baseball. From custom-designed invitations adorned with an azalea pink baseball to baseballs autographed by Viki and Dustin for the kids, their special day was a grand slam.
Viki and Dustin met in November 2006, at the family and Children's Center, where she teaches physical education and he works in security. Viki is also the athletic trainer at Mishawaka High School. They share a love for sports, but Dustin is a Cubs fan-in a big way.
"He is the true Cubs fan." His great grandpa was a fan, so since age 5 or 6, Dustin has watched the Cubs.
"I have always been a sports fan," she said, admitting she didn't really like baseball. But once Dustin taught her about it and took her to Wrigley Field, she was hooked. Now they go to Chicago at least once a month, sometimes twice. They also travel to at least two away games per season, usually in Cincinnati or St. Louis.
It took about nine months to plan the big day. They wanted a religious ceremony at their church, First United Methodist Church of Mishawaka.
"I wanted to keep the church and reception separate. We are super traditional when it comes to church and religion," she said.
The ceremony was easy to plan. The difficult task was finding a place for the reception.
After some research, she decided on The Upper Deck, which is the luxury skybox at Coveleski Stadium, home to the South Bend Silverhawks.
"The minute (the manager) was within budget and told me it was at a baseball stadium, I knew I'd found our place," she said. From that point on, Viki was in the catbird seat and planning was foul free. Any idea she liked was simply converted to a baseball item. After dinner mints: baseball glove-shaped mints, for example.
Some unique items included a custom-made bobblehead cake topper and a one-of-a-kind guestbook-a wooden bat inscribed, "We were there when Dustin and Viki joined the same team on July 26, 2008." Guests signed the bat with a Sharpie. Viki's dad even made a papier-mache ball for their gift cards.
Appetizers were mini burgers and mini hot dogs. Cotton candy was plentiful and, party favors? Cracker Jack and peanuts, of course. The Upper Deck also provided game tickets printed with Viki and Dustin?s names. The multi-tiered cake was adorned with azalea pink roses and the layers were separated with pillars. The spaces between were filled with a pink baseball glove and crystal baseballs. There were even four groom's cakes that looked like baseballs.
Upon arriving at the Upper Deck, the Cullens were introduced to the song, "Take Me Out to the Ball Game." When it was time for the Silverhawks to take on the Burlington Bees, Dustin pitched a ball from the mound (in his tux) to Viki behind home plate (in her gown).
For brides planning a themed event Viki said, "Don't be afraid to go all the way. It was easier to go the themed route than (work with) an empty hall."
One challenge she faced was keeping everything formal so that it didn't look like a six-year-old boy's birthday party.
"I don't think there is any way to go overboard with a theme. Make it something your guests will remember. I can't imagine people forgetting the baseball wedding," she said.
Even in the ninth inning, many of their 220 guests were still going strong. The last song of the night was, "Go, Cubs, Go."
Now, settled in at home, all the Cubs memorabilia from Dustin's bachelor pad has been given a place of honor in a special sports room. The room is decorated red and blue, there is a big "W" flag for Wrigley Field, several foul game balls encased in glass, and a collection of bobblehead dolls, which has a new addition-their bobblehead cake topper.
First United Methodist Church
Mishawaka, IN
Reception Location:
The Upper Deck,
Coveleski Stadium
South Bend, IN
Caterer:
Kari Orpurt at
The Upper Deck
South Bend, IN
Photographer:
Johnny Munoz
South Bend, IN
Wedding Gown:
David's Bridal
South Bend, IN
Bridesmaids' Gowns:
David's Bridal
Mishawaka, IN
Hair Stylist:
Ken's Studio and Hair
Mishawaka, IN
Nail Salon:
Dream Nails
Mishawaka, IN
Tuxedos:
Louie's Tux
Mishawaka, IN
Wedding Rings:
Zales
Mishawaka, IN
Flowers:
Sara Guessella
Walkerton, IN
Wedding Cake:
Bakery Barn
Walkerton, IN
Reception DJ:
DJ Buddy King
South Bend, IN
Rehearsal Dinner:
Between the Buns
Osceola, IN
Transportation:
Atomic Limo Co.
South Bend, IN
Honeymoon:
Rui Resorts
Puerto Vallarta,
Mexico